Leeds United were convincingly beaten in their first game of their Australian tour against old rivals Manchester United, as the Red Devils trounced them 4-0.
The Whites face Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, in their second and final game of the mini Australian pre-season tour, before they return to Europe and face Italian side Cagliari.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa put out a strong side against Manchester United – one that could start the first game of the Championship season against Bristol City on August 4.
Let’s take a look at the Leeds team that could face the Australian team on Saturday:
Predicted Leeds United Lineup
Goalkeeper
Leeds’ No. 1 Kiko Casilla will continue to play in goal for the game against Sydney Wanderers after playing the entire 90 minutes against Manchester United ahead of 22-year-old Polish goalkeeper Kamil Miazek.
Defence
We will most likely see an unchanged back four featuring Gaetano Berardi and captain Liam Cooper in the heart of defence, with Barry Douglas at left-back, and Stuart Dallas at right-back.
Dallas suffered a gash over his right eye in the game against Manchester United, but does not have a concussion. If he’s not cleared to play, 20-year-old Bryce Hosannah could play at right-back.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips will continue to play in the base of midfield in Bielsa’s 4-1-4-1 formation, where he plays an important role for the side, sweeping loose balls, tackling, and helping the two centre-backs in defence.
Adam Forshaw, who started in midfield alongside Pablo Hernandez against Manchester United, could miss out on the game and faces a late fitness test, following a tackle by Ashley Young in the game against Manchester United.
If he is not cleared, we could see 19-year-old Jordan Stevens get a start. Hernandez will continue to play as an attacking midfielder, playing behind the main striker.
Attack
Kemar Roofe played as a right-sided attacker against Manchester United, and we could see him continue to play there, while Patrick Bamford plays as the striker.
With Leeds not having too many options on the bench, Jack Harrison, who is on loan from Manchester City for the second year, will start as the left-sided attacker.
There won’t be too many changes to the Leeds team as they have a 16-man squad for the two games in Australia.
